MPO Membership & Public Participation Plan

MPO Membership

Since the 1960's, the federal government has required that urbanized areas over 50,000 in population maintain a continuing, comprehensive and cooperative planning process. In Tennessee, this program is administered through TDOT and is implemented by the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).

On Dec. 16, 1992, the governing board of the Nashville Area MPO voted to expand its membership to cover Davidson, Rutherford. Sumner, Wilson and Williamson counties. Because the five-county area is classified as a maintenance zone by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it qualifies for federal funds appropriated for reducing transportation-related emissions.

Murfreesboro has benefited from its membership in the Nashville are MPO in several ways including being the beneficiary of approximately $51 million in federal transportation funds directed at 13 past, current, and future transportation-related projects. These are:

  • Middle Tennessee Boulevard Widening -- Greenland Drive to Main Street
  • Old Fort Park & Ride Facility
  • Closed Circuit Television Installation (Phases One, Two and Three)
  • Broad and Memorial separated grade crossings.
  • U.S. 231 and I-24 Interchange Signalization and lane additions.
  • Clark and Memorial Intersection Improvement.
  • Bradyville and Minerva Intersection improvements.
  • New Salem Highway and Bridge Avenue Intersection Improvement.
  • Greenland Drive Widening - Middle Tennessee to Champion Way.
  • Bradyville Pike Widening - S.E. Broad to Rutherford.
  • Thompson Lane Widening - Broad St. to Memorial Blvd.
  • Cherry Lane Extension - Memorial Blvd. to N.W. Broad St.
  • SR 99 Widening - Old Fort Pkwy. to Veterans

The MPO's regional perspective gives its members the advantage of tackling problems common to all. Regional studies have included formulation of the Regional Long Range Transportation Plan, Intelligent Transportation Systems Strategic Plan, Incident Management Plan and Commuter Rail Studies.

Murfreesboro Transportation Director Jim Kerr and Assistant Transportation Director Russ Brashear currently serve on the MPO's technical coordinating committee and Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland serves on the executive board.

Public Participation Plan (PPP) Update

In accordance with 23 CFR 450.316, the Public Participation Plan (PPP) provides the general public and interested parties with an overview of opportunities to be engaged in the metropolitan/transportation planning process.  This includes information about the strategies deployed to engage the public and stakeholders, and the specific timelines and requirements for public comment during the development and adoption of the regional transportation plans and programs.

Greater Nashville Regional Council (GNRC)
Public Participation in Transportation Planning for the Nashville Metropolitan Area
THIRD DRAFT - March 26, 2019


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